In the latest episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates have an engaging conversation with City Manager Mark Vanderpool, offering listeners an inside look at the dynamic efforts that keep Sterling Heights running smoothly. From the critical work of the city’s dedicated police and fire departments to the incredible volunteer participation that sets the city apart, this episode highlights the people and initiatives that make Sterling Heights a vibrant and safe place to...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this milestone 25th episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Captain Mario Bastianelli to discuss making a difference in the community through innovative policing strategies. Captain Bastianelli's journey in the Sterling Heights Police Department began in traffic before eventually rising through the ranks to Lieutenant, where he served as the department's Public Information Officer. In that role, he worked diligently to represent the department with...
Jul 20, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In the latest episode of "Talk’n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with their new boss, Sgt. Michael Zawojsky, a seasoned officer with a remarkable story of resilience and dedication to his hometown of Sterling Heights. Joining the police force in 1999 after participating in the explorer program as a teenager, Sgt. Zawojsky's early career was marked by a dramatic incident where his patrol vehicle was struck by a bank robbery suspect, causing a severe accident that near...
Jul 04, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Pastor Wesley Woods, one of the Sterling Heights Police Department's two police chaplains, for an inspiring conversation. Pastor Woods shares his story of growing up in a rough neighborhood in Detroit, where his parents broadened his horizons by exposing him to a wider world of possibilities. This positive foundation has stayed with him throughout his life and now fuels his mission at Heritage Church to ...
Jun 06, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this compelling episode of "Talk’n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates engage with Scott Gatto, a former Marine whose service commenced dramatically on the morning of September 11, 2001, as he arrived at his base in Hawaii. His challenging deployment to Iraq, which included fierce combat in Falluja, was just the beginning of his journey. After leaving the service, Scott became acutely aware of the pervasive mental health struggles among his fellow Marines, many of whom were su...
May 16, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In the latest episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Kevin Coates and Larry Reynolds sit down with Jeremiah Campbell, Treasurer on the executive board of Facing Addiction Now (FAN). Jeremiah's journey is one of resilience and hope, as he shares his personal story of overcoming addiction and loss. As one of the founding members of FAN, Jeremiah has been sober since July 2007 and is deeply involved in the recovery community. Inspired by his late brother Kyle, who tragically lost his life to addict...
May 02, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with 41A District Court Chief Judge Stephen S. Sierawski. Judge Sierawski, elected in 1998, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the discussion. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Wayne State University Law School, he has dedicated his career to serving the community and upholding justice. Throughout the episode, Judge Sierawski shares personal anecdotes and reflections on his life journey...
Apr 18, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this special episode of 'Talk'n the Beat,' Officers Kevin Coates and Larry Reynolds step outside their usual topics to chat with Shaina Allen, the owner and operator of Scooters Coffee. Drawing on the old-fashioned notion of 'walking the beat,' where police officers would engage with local business owners, Officers Coates and Reynolds sit down for an insightful discussion with Shaina Allen. Through her experiences running Scooters Coffee, Shaina shares valuable insights into the importance of...
Apr 04, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates take a break from hosting guests to dive into a long-awaited question and answer session. Having gathered inquiries from residents throughout the first season, and now well into Season 2, the guys are eager to address a range of topics sent in by the audience. With no subject dismissed as too light or heavy, the officers share their candid responses, adding their personal touch to keep the conversation engaging and la...
Mar 21, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Sergeant Lamar Kashat from the Sterling Heights Police Department’s Directed Patrol Unit (DPU). Together, they delve into the proactive policing methods employed by the DPU and the importance of effective communication in leadership. Sergeant Kashat's upbringing in Saginaw by Iraqi immigrant parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and values, which he brings to his role in law enforcement. His fluen...
Mar 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In the season 2 premiere of "Talk'n the Beat," Sergeant Aaron Susalla steps in for Officer Kevin Coates alongside Officer Larry Reynolds to welcome Congressman John James to the show. In this engaging episode, Congressman James shares insights into the formative experiences that have shaped his character and values. Drawing from his military background, he reflects on how his time in service has deeply influenced his perspective on leadership, duty, and responsibility. The conversation extends b...
Feb 22, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this compelling episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates engage in an enlightening conversation with Detective Lindsey Pappas from the Youth Services Bureau, where her work primarily revolves around addressing child-related crimes. While delving into the serious aspects of her role, Detective Pappas sheds light on the crucial topic of online child safety. The discussion offers valuable insights into how parents and guardians can actively participate in their chil...
Jan 04, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this compelling episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates engage in a heartfelt conversation with one of the Sterling Heights Police Department's two new police chaplains, Robert Wendt. Police chaplains like Pastor Robert Wendt play a vital role within law enforcement by offering emotional, moral, and spiritual support to officers, staff, and their families. As a trusted source of comfort and guidance, they create an environment where officers can openly seek help...
Dec 21, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this edition of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Coates and Reynolds welcome back Sgt. Hakim. While our previous episode delved into his remarkable military background, this time around, we shift our focus to his pivotal role within the Training Division. Join us as Sgt. Hakim shares his passion for providing top-notch training to fellow officers. He takes us behind the scenes of the training process, highlighting the dedication and commitment required to equip the Sterling Heights Police Departme...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In the latest episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates host a heartfelt conversation with Lieutenant Dave Allen. With a compelling blend of lighthearted moments and serious, thought-provoking discussions, Lt. Allen shares his journey into law enforcement, driven by a strong desire to serve his community. His stories range from humorous anecdotes to deeply personal experiences, offering listeners a multifaceted view of life behind the badge. A particularly poignant m...
Nov 23, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Sterling Heights Chief of Police Dale Dwojakowski. As a Sterling Heights native, Chief Dwojakowski discusses the transformation of policing from focusing solely on apprehending criminals to addressing the root causes of community issues. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and being unafraid to try new approaches to improve the city. As a leader in law enforcement, Chief Dwojakowski is committed t...
Nov 09, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates engage in an enlightening conversation with Dennis Johnson, Asset Protection Manager for JCPenney. Together, they delve into the multifaceted world of retail theft, shedding light on the various dimensions of this crime and the underlying issues that drive such behavior. Dennis brings a unique perspective to the discussion. He shares his experiences and strategies for addressing retail theft, emphasizing his commitmen...
Oct 26, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officer Larry Reynolds and Sgt. Aaron Susalla talk with Officer Brenden Harrison, delving into the dynamic world of the Direct Patrol Unit (DPU). Officer Harrison, who brings a wealth of experience from serving in police departments across three different counties, shares his perspective on why Sterling Heights provides unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth within the context of a vibrant community. During the episode, we delve into...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Sgt. Hakim, a dedicated Sterling Heights police officer with deep ties to the community. Sgt. Hakim's journey includes a pivotal period in the military, during which he played a role in overseeing detainee 063, Mohammed al-Qahani, who was connected to the 9/11 attacks as the intended 20th hijacker. During our conversation, Sgt. Hakim highlights how his military experience has profoundly influenced his ca...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officer Kevin Coates and Sgt. Aaron Susalla sit down with special guest Stacy Ziarko, President and CEO of "Connect Macomb." They discuss how "Connect Macomb" has evolved from the "Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce" and how its vital partnerships, including one with the Sterling Heights Police Department, are all aimed at enhancing community well-being. Born and raised in Sterling Heights, Stacy Ziarko's deep community involvement is integral to ...
Sep 07, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Both informative and entertaining, this episode of “Talk’n the Beat” highlights the multifaceted world of Judge Annemarie Lepore - her impactful legal endeavors, her contributions to the community, and the unexpected facets of her personality that make her a truly relatable figure. As the conversation unfolds, it delves into her involvement in initiatives that are reshaping the legal landscape. Her efforts in supporting programs like sobriety court and her engagement with Families Against Narcot...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Captain Pappas, providing listeners with an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of the Sterling Heights Police Department's Operations Division. Here we delve into the multitude of programs entrusted to this division, which serves as the cornerstone of community safety. The conversation navigates through the introduction of the cutting-edge Directed Patrol unit, an initiative primed to redefine proactive...
Aug 10, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Join Officers Reynolds and Coates in an enlightening conversation with Stacy Bahri, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF). Explore the Chaldean community's journey to Metropolitan Detroit, driven by the pursuit of economic, religious, and political freedom. Gain insight into the CCF's mission to advance social and cultural heritage while providing crucial support to newcomer Iraq-Chaldean and immigrant communities. This engaging episode sheds light on the re...
Jul 27, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Officers Reynolds and Coates from the Sterling Heights Police Department sit down with Auday Putrus, a former UK officer, for a captivating conversation on "Talk'n the Beat." Join them as they bridge the gap between two nations, discussing their experiences and insights into policing on opposite sides of the pond. Auday, now residing in Sterling Heights, provides unique perspectives on the similarities and differences between British and American cultures, shedding light on how these factors sha...
Jul 13, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Join Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates in a profoundly moving second episode of "Talk'n the Beat" as they sit down with Jason Frontzcak for an enlightening conversation about addiction and recovery. Explore Jason's personal journey from addiction to becoming a peer recovery coach for Families Against Narcotics. Discover the invaluable role he plays within the SHPD Quick Response Team, seeking innovative solutions and providing compassionate support to individuals striving to break free fr...
Jun 29, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In the inaugural episode of Talk'n the Beat, Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates along with Sergeant Aaron Susalla dive into an exploration of their personal journeys and aspirations for the podcast. They share anecdotes from their backgrounds that have shaped them into the dedicated officers they are today. But this episode isn't just about introductions—it's a gateway to the heart of the Sterling Heights Police Department's promise to deliver dedicated customer service with transparency, ...
Jun 14, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 1
